The Nation's First Hydrogen Electric Tram Operation... 'Autonomous Driving Robot' for Detecting Harmful Gases to Appear

Ministry of Industry Holds Regulatory Special Case Review Committee, Approves 10 Regulatory Sandbox Projects
Integrated Hydrogen Stations Enable Charging for All Hydrogen Mobility Including Construction Machinery
'Disinfectant Sterilization' Medical Waste Crushers, Total of 10 Units Approved for Pilot Testing

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The country's first hydrogen electric tram will be operated on a trial basis. Additionally, autonomous patrol robots that detect hazardous gas leaks around industrial complexes will patrol sidewalks 24 hours a day. This is made possible thanks to the regulatory sandbox system, which temporarily relaxes related regulations to foster innovative industries.

On the morning of the 19th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the 4th Industrial Convergence Regulatory Special Committee meeting and reviewed and approved a total of 10 regulatory sandbox projects, including 9 demonstration exceptions and 1 temporary permit. The committee's role is to approve sandbox projects that exempt (defer) existing regulations for new products and services.

On this day, Hyundai Rotem received approval for a demonstration exception to produce and operate a test vehicle converted from an existing electric tram to a hydrogen electric tram. The hydrogen electric tram is eco-friendly as it does not emit fine dust or harmful gases. It also has the advantage of being economical since it can transport large volumes like a subway without the need for underground excavation work. An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, "Through this demonstration project, the hydrogen electric tram will be operated on a trial basis for the first time in Korea," and added, "It will serve as an opportunity to commercialize the next-generation urban transportation system."

The Changwon Industrial Promotion Agency applied for a demonstration exception to build an integrated hydrogen charging station capable of charging various hydrogen mobility devices such as hydrogen cars, hydrogen construction machinery, hydrogen two-wheelers, and hydrogen drones. Under current regulations, only hydrogen cars can be charged at hydrogen charging stations, and construction machinery including hydrogen electric trams cannot be charged. This demonstration project is expected to contribute to revitalizing the hydrogen economy by establishing an integrated charging station capable of charging all hydrogen mobility devices.

Autonomous Patrol Robot

An "outdoor autonomous patrol robot" that detects hazardous gas leaks around industrial complexes in real time was also granted a regulatory exception for two years. Six robots will be deployed near the Jeonju 2nd Industrial Complex and residential areas. Residents near the industrial complex have continuously reported complaints about gas odors, and although a large company (LG) and a startup (Dogoo Space) collaborated to develop the robot, it could not operate due to legal restrictions. According to the Road Traffic Act, autonomous robots are classified as vehicles, making it impossible for them to operate on sidewalks or crosswalks. Going forward, patrol robots monitoring six types of hazardous gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide 24 hours a day are expected to alleviate the concerns of residents near the industrial complex.

The medical waste sterilization and crushing device (Mecobi) for hospitals also received a demonstration exception. It processes various medical wastes such as syringes, IV bags, and surgical instruments by crushing them and sterilizing with disinfectants. It performs better than the previously allowed steam method and can be used immediately indoors such as in operating rooms, reducing infection risks. The committee recognized effects such as reducing medical waste disposal costs and alleviating backlogs, approving a two-year demonstration exception for up to 10 units in large general hospitals nationwide.

Additionally, the committee granted regulatory exceptions to the "Smart Parking Robot Service (Macrobot Tech)," which recognizes parking locations and routes via QR codes, citing benefits such as reducing parking lot installation costs and alleviating parking difficulties. Demonstration tests will be conducted in Bucheon City and Bupyeong District, Incheon. Korea Electric Power Corporation's "Intelligent Digital Power Plant Platform" was recognized for improving power generation efficiency and preventing accidents. LS Cable applied for temporary permits for seven types of wiring devices including high-end audio equipment cord sets and eco-friendly high-efficiency multi-taps, and the committee approved them on the condition of safety verification.